HOW THE UNSEASONABLY MILD WEATHER IS CAUSING HAVOC FOR BRITAIN'S TOADS, HEDGEHOGS AND BIRDS
Britain’s
unseasonably mild weather is causing havoc among the country’s wildlife
which is not following its usual seasonal patterns.
The
Devon Wildlife Trust is worried that hibernating animals or those that
normally lie dormant in the winter have been seen outside.
Toads
are said to be being very active at the moment and experts are
concerned that this will have a knock-on effect on their numbers.
Making itself heard: A stag calls out in Richmond Park in South-West London as the sun rises on a mild Wednesday morning today
This is because female toads must go through a period of dormancy to develop their eggs ready for spawning in spring.
David Wodehouse from the charity said: ‘The primroses are out at Meeth, normally a sign that spring is on the way.
‘We also have marsh ragwort and wild strawberries in flower and our bee hives are still active.’
Andrew
Warren, who works on its reserves, added: ‘Many of our winter birds
including robins and song thrushes have been very vocal.’
The
birds' songs, which are longer than normal for the time of year,
suggest they are thinking it might be time to start breeding.
Sightings
of hedgehogs at garden feeding stations are also being sent in, despite
them normally being in hibernation by November.
Pete
Burgess, DWT director of development, policy and research said: ‘Our
wildlife has evolved over millennia to cope with our climate.
‘As weather patterns change at an unprecedented pace, we are entering a period of great uncertainty.'
He added: 'If we have a mild spring followed by a cold snap, that’s when you can have more serious problems.’
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